Marstons Regulatory News (MARS)

30 Sep 2009 08:00



30th September 2009

MARSTON'S PLC

Analyst / Investor Visit

Marston's PLC, a leading independent brewer and pub operator, announces that it is today hosting an analyst and investor visit to two managed houses in the new build format, located at Lutterworth and Kettering, and a new build site at Milton Lake.

The visit will include presentations by senior management setting out Marston's new build strategy and expertise including demonstrating that:-

It has a strong pipeline of identified new build opportunities and is on track to open 15 new food-led destination pubs over the next 12 months in line with stated plans;

A track record of delivering excellent returns from new builds with an average 15% EBITDA return generated from similar openings over the last five years; and,

It is able to exploit opportunities with few competing buyers, increasing the attractions of this investment programme over acquiring existing trading pubs.

In tandem with the new build strategy, Marston's Inns and Taverns confirms that it has teamed up with hotel company, Travelodge to look for sites where they can develop a managed house alongside a hotel for mutual benefit.

The first site will open next year in Wincanton, Somerset and will feature a 57-room Travelodge hotel next door to a 6,500sq ft Marston's pub. Two more sites are expected to open this year, with a target of 10 more locations over the medium term.

The managed house at Lutterworth, which forms part of the visit, is adjacent to an existing Travelodge.

During the visit no new material information will be made available. 

A copy of the presentation from the site visit will be made available on the Company's website, www.marstons.co.uk.

ENQUIRIES:

NOTES TO EDITORS

Marston's is a leading independent brewer and pub operator.

It has an estate of over 2,200 pubs and bars situated across England and Wales and is the UK's leading brewer of premium cask ales, including Marston's Pedigree and Jennings Cumberland Ale. The beer portfolio also includes Banks's, Brakspear, Hobgoblin, Mansfield and Ringwood beers.

The estate comprises 1,718 tenanted or leased pubs, and 503 managed pubs including Marston's Tavern Table, Two for One and Pitcher & Piano.

Marston's employs over 11,500 people throughout England and Wales.